Charter Adds HBO Go, MAX Go; TWC, Cablevision Holding Out

7/25/2011 12:01 AM Eastern

By: By Todd Spangler

After a three-month beta test, CharterCommunications last Thursday launched HBO’s “TV Everywhere”services for customers who subscribe to HBO,Cinemax or both — leaving Time Warner Cable and CablevisionSystems as the last major providers not offeringHBO Go and MAX Go.

HBO Go and MAX Go provide unlimited online accessto each network’s programming via any broadbandconnectedcomputer in the U.S. as well as on the iPhone,iPad and certain Android devices.

In late April, Charter launched a beta of the HBO TVEverywhere services, sending e-mail invitations to asmall number of subscribers to participate in a test.

HBO Go provides access to more than 1,400 titles online,including every episode of every season of HBO’sshows, as well as the network’s films, miniseries, documentariesand sports. MAX Go delivers more than 400 titlesof Cinemax programming online, including the MAXAfter Dark series. Most new titles are available simultaneouslywith their premieres on HBO and Cinemax.

Last month, HBO CEO Bill Nelson said the programmerwas “in negotiations with Time Warner Cable. I’m optimisticthat we will conclude in the next couple of weeks.” Hesaid HBO was not as far along with Cablevision.

The HBO Go and MAX Go services are designed as anincentive to keep pay TV subscribers paying for HBO andCinemax services through their cable, satellite or telcoTV provider, rather than turning to an Internet-deliveredalternative such as Netflix.